Wednesday, April 2, is National Walking Day, a celebration promoted by the American Heart Association to encourage people to get up and get moving.
We’re all for anything that helps folks take that first step—literally—toward better health. And don’t worry if the day came and went. You can make every day one for steps! Here are a few fun and motivating facts from the AHA:
- Walking is the most popular form of exercise. It’s free, simple, and safe for most people.
- It can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- A brisk walk—just 150 minutes a week total—can improve your mood, thinking, and sleep.
That’s just the beginning. Research shows that people with dogs tend to live longer, possibly because of all those daily walks. And walking can also boost creativity and help you solve problems.
But here’s an important reminder: While walking is wonderful, it’s not enough on its own—especially after age 50. As we get older, we need to maintain strength, endurance, balance, and agility. That’s where strength training and functional fitness come in.
So yes, lace up those walking shoes and enjoy the movement. But when you’re ready to go further, give Fitting Fitness In a call. Let’s talk about building a well-rounded fitness plan that supports your active, healthy lifestyle—for the long run.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.